One afternoon in Munich........

My vote would be to walk to either the Englischergarten or the Viktulienmarkt (by way of Marianplatz) and enjoy one of the beer gardens.

Lizzie, I would go to the Viktualienmarkt (you probably know that it's an open air market with booths full of the most marvelous foods, drinks and flowers). Before that, I'd circle the famed Marienplatz (the Viktualienmarket adjoins it). It's a large square (no cars) surrounded by famous old buildings - city hall with the Glockenspiel for one - shops, cafes and restaurants with outdoor tables. The famous Frauenkirche is a few steps away. At the corner of Viktualienmarkt is a bus stop for the Munich Rundfahrt sightseeing bus that takes you through town, past one of the royal residences and to the Olympia Park (where it stops for about 20 min. and you can get off) and back. You'd still have time for a meal or drinks afterwards (or before). There's an underground station at Marienplatz near the fountain with a direct line to the airport and other points in and around Munich. If you stay in the Marienplatz area, you can get a really comprehensive taste of Munich even if you don't take the sightseeing bus.

I would hang out at and around the Marienplatz and Viktualeinmarkt areas.... And enjoy the beer gardens!!

I, too, would hang out around Marienplatz. Besides Marienplatz and the Vikualienmarkt, the Hofbräuhaus is nearby. There is also the church of St. Peter, over you right shoulder when you are facing the Neuesrathaus. You can climb to the top of the church tower for a grand view of Munich, including the Olympic grounds in the distance, down into Marienplatz, and, on a clear day, the alps. There is also the Frauenkirche nearby, as well as, if time permits, the Residenz.

Thanks for all the replies!!! All of the suggestions sound like a good plan for our afternoon in Munich. I had checked out Rick's book, and he recommended so many things, I couldn't choose! So thanks so much for the help, it is really appreciated!

Do a walking tour or a bike tour! This way you get to see all the main sites, do not have to worry about getting lost or walking around with a guide book and map, and get to learn the history of Munich in an interesting way. The tours are reasonable usually, 12-20 euros per person and will last around 3-4 hours.

Or arrange a private tour to enable you to see even more things in your limited time. Try Dark History tours. They just got a great review over on the Graffiti Wall. It is a rather new company, so they haven't made it in the guide books yet, but the man that does the tours is Welsh, is passionate about Munich and is also a professional archeologist. I am going to Munich later this year and this is who I am touring with. Munich is so much more than just the Hofbrau Haus, Oktoberfest and the Glockenspiel, and this guy can show it to you.

http://www.dark-history.eu/

On a nice day. I would start at the Marienplatz then go to the English Garden.

On a bad day. I would still check out Marienplatz then go to the Alte Pinakothec (great art) or the Hofbrauhaus (touristy place) for indoor activity.

if it is a nice day, I would recommend a walking tour. You'll see a lot of the building and learn about the history.